Competition Commission jurisdiction to continue enquiry after prima facie view, with objections left open for statutory consideration.

The Competition Commission of India, as an independent authority under the Competition Act, 2002, may proceed with enquiry and investigation once it forms a prima facie opinion of contravention. Such proceedings cannot be treated as wholly without jurisdiction merely because a party disputes the Commission's authority. The Supreme Court found no reason to interfere with the High Court order and declined to restrain the Commission from continuing the matter. The parties' jurisdictional objections were left open for consideration before the Commission in accordance with law, and the statutory process was allowed to continue expeditiously.

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Issues: Whether interference with the High Court order was called for and whether the Competition Commission of India could be restrained from proceeding with the enquiry and investigation on the ground of lack of jurisdiction.

Analysis: The Competition Commission of India is an independent authority empowered to examine alleged contraventions under the Competition Act, 2002. Once it forms a prima facie opinion and initiates proceedings, such action cannot be treated as wholly without jurisdiction. The proceedings under the Act are also intended to be dealt with expeditiously, and the petitioners' contentions were directed to remain open before the Commission for consideration in accordance with law.

Conclusion: No interference with the impugned order was warranted, and the Competition Commission of India was not to be restrained from proceeding further with the enquiry or investigation.

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